Do you want to learn French in France but don't know where to start? Whether your goal is to communicate in everyday life, prepare for further study, advance professionally or pass an official exam, you can build a learning path suited to your level and your plans.
The first steps are simple: define your goal, assess your level, choose a course and organize your stay. Learning French in France allows you to combine structured lessons with daily practice in shops, on public transport and in conversations with local residents.
Here is how to prepare your plans in practical terms and start making progress as soon as you arrive.
Step 1: define your goal and your level
Before choosing a course, determine why you want to learn French. You may want to communicate more easily, enter a university, work in France, prepare for an official exam or become more independent before settling in.
Your goal determines which skills to work on and which course pace to prioritize.
What is your level of French?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) classifies language skills into six levels.
| Level | General skills |
|---|---|
| A1 – Beginner | Understand and use simple expressions, introduce yourself and answer common questions. |
| A2 – Elementary | Communicate in familiar situations and exchange simple information. |
| B1 – Intermediate | Manage in many everyday situations and understand the main points of a clear conversation. |
| B2 – Upper intermediate | Take part in more complex discussions and defend your point of view. |
| C1 – Advanced | Express yourself fluently in demanding situations, particularly professional or academic ones. |
| C2 – Proficiency | Understand virtually everything you read or hear and express yourself precisely. |
You do not need to know your exact level before contacting a school. An assessment identifies what you already know and helps guide you toward a suitable course.
Do not rely solely on how you feel: you may understand French without yet feeling comfortable speaking it.
First action: ask Institut Fonelia about assessment procedures and programs suited to your level.
Step 2: choose the right course pace
The ideal pace depends on the length of your stay, your availability, your starting level and your goal.
| Course option | Who is it for? | Main goal |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive courses | People who can devote a large part of their week to French. | Practice regularly and work on several skills. |
| Regular courses | People staying for several months or with less time available. | Make gradual progress. |
| Exam preparation | People aiming for a qualification or needing to provide evidence of their level. | Work on the relevant skills and exam components. |
| Private lessons | People with specific needs. | Focus on individual goals. |
Before enrolling, check schedules, start dates, available levels, the number of hours per week and enrollment conditions.
How many hours does it take to learn French?
There is no universal length of time needed to reach a given level. Around 200 hours, or approximately one intensive term at 15 hours per week, can serve as a planning guide for some learning paths, but does not guarantee moving from one level to the next.
Progress depends in particular on your starting level, your attendance, the number of lesson hours and your practice outside the classroom.
To make the most of your stay, choose a course load that fits your budget and availability, then practice regularly in everyday life.
Explore the group French courses offered by Institut Fonelia to find out about the available programs.
Step 3: choose a suitable city and school
Your environment plays an important role in learning. You can practice French while shopping, asking for information, taking public transport or joining activities.
To choose your destination, compare the cost of living, housing options, transport, cultural offerings and the city's atmosphere.
Why choose Nantes?
Nantes can be an appealing destination for learning French in a major French city. Shops, public transport and cultural activities provide opportunities to practice the language outside lessons.
Your experience will also depend on your accommodation, your neighborhood and the activities you take part in. To make progress, look for opportunities to speak French beyond the classroom.
How do you choose a French language school?
Before enrolling, compare several criteria:
- Available levels: check that the school accepts learners at your level.
- Group size: ask about the maximum number of students and how groups are formed.
- The curriculum: prioritize a course that works on listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar.
- Support: ask about assessments, learning support and enrollment procedures.
- Certifications: check which quality labels and certifications the institution actually holds.
- Additional activities: conversation workshops and cultural activities can increase opportunities to practice.
Institut Fonelia welcomes international learners in Nantes. To find out about levels, programs and upcoming dates, see the group course overview or contact the team.
Step 4: prepare for your arrival in France
Once you have chosen your course, organize the practical aspects of your stay. The aim is to arrive with your enrollment confirmed, accommodation arranged and a realistic estimate of your expenses.
Your pre-departure checklist
- Define your goal and the length of your stay.
- Assess your level and choose a suitable course.
- Check schedules, dates and enrollment procedures.
- Budget for course fees.
- Look for accommodation that suits your budget.
- Estimate transport, food and everyday living expenses.
- Check the conditions for entering and staying in France.
- Arrange insurance suited to your situation.
- Keep useful documents and contact details.
What budget should you plan for?
Your budget depends on the length of your stay, the cost of courses and the type of accommodation you choose.
| Expense category | Items to budget for |
|---|---|
| Courses | Enrollment fees, lessons and any additional fees. |
| Accommodation | Rent, utilities and any security deposit. |
| Food | Groceries and eating out. |
| Transport | Travel passes and occasional journeys. |
| Insurance and health | Coverage suited to your situation. |
| Activities | Outings, leisure activities and visits. |
| Administrative fees | Any visa, application or travel fees. |
Ask the school for current prices and draw up a budget for your entire stay.
For accommodation, compare residences, rooms in local homes, shared housing and private rentals. Check the distance between the accommodation and the school, as well as the expenses you will need to cover.
What administrative procedures should you plan for?
Formalities depend in particular on your nationality, your country of residence, the length of your stay and your personal situation.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need a visa before departure. Enrolling in a French course does not automatically guarantee that you will receive a student visa.
Check the applicable rules on the official website France-Visas — Studying or training.
If you need proof of enrollment, ask the school which documents it can issue. Decisions concerning visas and residence permits are made by the relevant authorities.
Plan ahead for these procedures: the documents required and processing times may vary depending on your situation.
Step 5: organize your first week in France
Your first week should allow you to find your bearings and start using French in practical situations. You do not need to understand everything immediately: the aim is to build confidence and establish habits.
During lessons and outside the classroom
On the first day, familiarize yourself with the route between your accommodation and the school, nearby shops and the public transport you will use.
During lessons, try to speak up even if you make mistakes. Ask the teacher to rephrase an instruction when you do not understand it, and note down expressions you would like to use again.
Outside lessons, set yourself a simple routine:
- 30 minutes to review the material covered in class;
- 10 minutes of speaking practice, alone or with a partner;
- one interaction in French in a real-life situation;
- a few new words or expressions to note in a notebook.
Adapt this routine to your schedule. Consistency matters more than occasional long sessions.
At the end of the week, review the vocabulary you have learned, identify difficult situations and prepare your questions for the teacher. If you can, take part in a cultural activity or talk with other learners.
How can you make progress more effectively?
To benefit from immersion, combine real-life situations with structured learning.
- Dare to speak, even as a beginner. “Mistakes are my friends”: they are part of your learning.
- Reuse the words and expressions learned in class.
- Listen regularly to content suited to your level: films, videos, radio, etc…
- Ask for corrections to identify recurring mistakes.
- Set yourself concrete goals, such as ordering at a restaurant or talking about your day.
- Regularly review what you have learned.
It is normal to understand certain situations before you can express yourself fluently. The key is to keep practicing regularly and work on the areas you find difficult.
Ready to start learning French in France?
Your plans can begin with three actions: define your goal, assess your level and choose a program suited to your availability.
If you are considering coming to Nantes, Institut Fonelia can provide information about its French courses, available levels, schedules, prices and enrollment procedures.
Explore the French programs, then contact Institut Fonelia for information tailored to your plans.
Frequently asked questions
Can you learn French in France starting from scratch?
Yes. Some courses are designed for beginners. Check that the school offers a group suited to your level and the dates of your stay.
How long does it take to learn French?
The time needed depends on your starting level, the number of lesson hours, your attendance and your daily practice. Set a specific goal and regularly reassess your progress.
Do you need to take a level test before enrolling?
An assessment identifies what you already know and helps guide you toward a suitable group. Assessment procedures vary between schools and programs.
Do you need a visa to take French courses in France?
This depends in particular on your nationality, the length of your stay and your situation. Check the applicable rules with France-Visas before preparing for your departure.
How do you choose between intensive and regular courses?
Intensive courses suit people who can devote a large part of their week to learning. Regular courses may be a better fit for a long stay or a busy schedule. Compare schedules and course hours before choosing.
Why learn French in Nantes?
Nantes offers an urban environment with shops, public transport and a cultural scene that can provide opportunities to practice French. Also take accommodation, your budget and the course program into account.
